It’s looking like it’s going to be another big year for camping. And if you’re among the hordes who are planning to get out and spend a few nights in the great outdoors, you may want to consider a trip to the Sunshine State.
Campspot, a platform helping people plan their camping and outdoor adventures, revealed its 24 top spots to camp in 2024. The list was compiled using data of all the searches made on the Campspot marketplace in December 2023 for trips in 2024. And while Denver came out as the No. 1 destination, the list included a whopping nine spots sprinkled around Florida. That includes its No. 2 pick, Oxford, Florida.
“Nestled within the picturesque landscape of central Florida, this region boasts numerous lush woodlands or lakeside sites for outdoor enthusiasts to explore,” Campspot shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. “Popular nearby attractions, like the Ocala National Forest and crystal-clear springs, offer campers easy access to memorable and immersive camping experiences.” It suggested the Cove Pub Campground as an ideal place to spend a few nights as the camp includes all the usual perks like tent and RV sites, as well as a waterfront restaurant for a fancy night out.
Also on the list is Orlando at No. five, which may surprise many as it’s usually a spot more well-known for its theme park stays. However, Campspot suggested a stay at Central Park, a massive campsite with more than 350 sites for RVs. It also offers pet-friendly cottages too.
Courtesy of Campspot
Joining these spots is Tampa at No. 7, St. Augustine at No. 9, Key West at No. 12, Sarasota at No. 15, Miami at 16, and Daytona Beach at 17.
The last to make the list is Jacksonville, which Campspot said travelers will adore as it’s home to the “expansive Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.” Or, it noted, campers can “enjoy the miles of hiking trails and water activities in the St. Johns River,” and suggested Pecan Park as the prime place to pitch a tent. The spot, which was also named one of Campspot’s 10 Best Campgrounds in America, comes with a fishing lake, two pools, a basketball and pickleball court, and is located near some of the area’s best attractions like the Museum of Science and Little Talbot Island State Park. Which, really, with this many amenities, we’re not sure you can still call it camping, but we’ll let it slide.